Ahmad Fuadi


Ahmad Fuadi is an Indonesian writer, novelist and social entrepreneur. His debut novel Negeri 5 Menara broke the publisher's sales record for the last 37 years. Negeri 5 Menara is the first part of the Negeri 5 Menara trilogy, followed by Ranah 3 Warna, and Rantau 1 Muara" "Negeri 5 Menara" was brought into wide-screen version and listed as one of the most watched Indonesian movies in the year of 2012. He's also well known for his extraordinary achievement in achieving 9 overseas scholarships.

Education & Work

One of Fuadi's life-changing experience was his experience during his study in Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, where he was introduced to a powerful mantra "Man Jadda Wajada" in his first day. He then went to Padjajaran University, majoring International Relations. During his last semester in Padjadjaran University, he got a scholarship from the National University of Singapore and spent a semester there. Upon graduating with a degree in International Relations from Padjadjaran University, he became a journalist for Tempo magazine. His first class in journalism was done in reporting assignments under the guidance of senior Tempo journalists. In 1999, he received a Fulbright scholarship to take his master's degree at the School of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University, USA. Venturing to Washington, D.C. together with Yayi, his wife—also a Tempo journalist—was a childhood dream come true. While studying, they were also Tempo correspondents and reporters for Voice of America. They reported on historical news, such as the 9-11 tragedy, straight from the Pentagon, White House, and Capitol Hill. In 2004, another world window opened when he received the Chevening Award scholarship to study documentary films at Royal Holloway, University of London. As a scholarship hunter, Fuadi is always enthusiastic to continue his education and find more scholarships. He has had opportunities to live and study in Canada, Singapore, USA, and the UK.

Achievements

Some of the Indonesian media attribute him as "the dream achiever" due to his remarkable achievements:
With his wife Danya "Yayi" Dewanti, Fuadi founded Komunitas Menara, a volunteer-based social organization which aims to provide free schools, libraries, clinics and soup kitchens for the less fortunate. Up until now, Komunitas Menara has already built 5 free pre-schools throughout Indonesia.

Novels